Fulbright Generation250 Scholarship
Australia
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
The Fulbright Generation250 Scholarship is a special one-off bilateral scholarship program established to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America in 2026 and celebrate the enduring strength of the Australia–United States Alliance.
Created as part of the wider Freedom 250 anniversary initiative, the scholarship reflects the shared commitment of Australia and the United States to advancing innovation, security, prosperity, and international collaboration through education and research exchange.
The program will support two Australian scholars and two American scholars to undertake high-impact research and collaboration in disciplines that directly contribute to the strategic, technological, and economic priorities shared by both nations.
The scholarship also recognises the historic role of the Fulbright Program in strengthening bilateral understanding and cooperation across generations of leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators.
The Fulbright Generation250 Scholarship is designed to:
- Strengthen Australia–United States collaboration in strategically important fields
- Advance research and innovation that contributes to the security and prosperity of both nations
- Foster enduring institutional and professional partnerships
- Promote knowledge exchange between leading Australian and American researchers and practitioners
- Celebrate the role of the Fulbright Program in advancing bilateral understanding over eight decades
Scholars will undertake projects that demonstrate the potential for long-term impact, bilateral cooperation, and public benefit.
Any appropriate institution, including universities, research centers, think-tanks, museums, galleries (creative/fine arts-based projects), conservatoriums (music/composition-based projects), relevant professional and non-profit institutions, or other institutions of research and/or higher education.
We encourage programs to start in January/February 2028 in line with the Australian academic year and to attend the Orientation Program and Gala Presentation Dinner in February.
Applications are invited in disciplines aligned with shared Australia–United States strategic priorities, including:
Critical Minerals, Rare Earths, and Resources Security
- Geoscience
- Mining and resources engineering
- Metallurgy
- Supply chain and logistics
- Environmental science (resource applications)
- Materials science
Defence, Strategic Studies, and Indo-Pacific Security
- Strategic and defence studies
- International security
- Naval and maritime studies
- Nuclear policy
- Indo-Pacific regional studies
Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, and Cyber Security
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Quantum computing and sensing
- Cyber security
- Data science
- Advanced computing
Space and Emerging Technologies
- Aerospace engineering
- Space systems
- Astrophysics
- Robotics
- Autonomous systems
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All applicants are required to include a Letter of Invitation from their proposed institution with their application.
Academic applicants must either have a PhD (or other terminal degree) and have 10 or more years of experience in their field (inclusive of PhD). Applicants with less than 10 years experience who are appropriately qualified as an associate professor, or full professor, will also be considered.
Professional applicants should have at least 10 years' experience in their professional field.
You may be asked to participate in an interview as part of the in-country selection process.
Following the review process, short-listed applicants may be invited for a virtual interview with a Fulbright Selection Committee in Australia.
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Outreach and Recruitment
Institute of International Education (IIE), East Asia and the Pacific enquiries: eastasiapacific@iie.org
Fulbright Australia Team
Please contact the Fulbright scholarships team for any queries related to entitlements or application processes: fulbright@fulbright.org.au
Monthly stipend: for a maximum period of 4 months
International Travel allowance: round-trip, economy class airfare directly to and from the scholar's home city and the city of the host institution up to AUD$4,000 (approximately USD$2,600)
The following tool can be used to compare cost of living between major cities: Cost of Living Comparison Tool | Compare International Cities
Australian Medicare: eligibility to apply for coverage (awardee only, not dependents)
Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE): a limited Health Benefits Plan designed by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Seven Corners, Inc. Please note this plan is NOT an insurance policy
Orientation and Gala: travel, accommodation, transport and meals at the Fulbright Orientation and Gala Presentation Dinner
Support and Guidance: from the Commission prior to and during program
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State and the Fulbright Commission in the host country reserve the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Australia
Australia has a long and proud tradition of world-class research and development. Across all global ranking systems, criteria, and fields of study, Australia scores highly for its quality of education, student satisfaction and global reputation. In addition to working with some of the world's best and leading institutions, you'll have the opportunity to experience Australia's many natural wonders and picturesque landscapes.
Programs generally begin in Australia begin in late January/early February 2027 in line with the Australian academic year and Fulbright orientation activities.
Applicants may contact the Programs Team at the Fulbright Commission in Australia via email with any questions.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.